A residual current device, often called a differential switch or differential switch, turns off electricity in the network when a leakage current occurs. This problem may occur if the cable is damaged. If you do not protect yourself from leakage currents, a person may be injured by electric current, as well as spontaneous combustion of the wires (it begins to melt) and, as a result, a short circuit.

Difavtomat – This is an RCD connected to the circuit breaker. The device is used to protect against leakage currents, as well as to prevent overloading of wires and their damage during a short circuit (the last two functions are the main purpose of the circuit breaker).

Summing up, we can say that the differential circuit breaker, roughly speaking, is an automatic RCD + machine. Now let’s talk about which device is best to choose when installing electrical wiring in the house.

Advantages and disadvantages

After knowing the differences between the two devices, the thought immediately arises that it is necessary to choose the second model. This is a hasty conclusion, because if it was also protected by a circuit breaker, this would in fact be a differential machine.

Therefore, in order to already say with certainty that it is better to choose an RCD or a different machine, it is necessary to determine the advantages and disadvantages of each product.

The advantage of the compact model is that it is compact (it does not take up much space in the electrical panel), and it perfectly protects the wiring from various types of hazards. In addition, the cost is slightly lower than purchasing an RCD + device, and installation is faster (you need to tighten fewer screws).

The main disadvantages are:

• If the difavtomat fails, it will be necessary to obtain a new one. We immediately draw your attention to the fact that in the event of a breakdown of the RCD + automatic assembly, only one product will need to be replaced, because it is extremely rare for two to break at once. Like it or not, a single item will cost less than a combined option.
• When disconnected, it is difficult to understand the reason: a short circuit, leakage current or network congestion. In the case of discrete devices, it is easier to detect the cause: AV output – short circuit or overload, RCD output – current leakage.

Advantages and disadvantages of a separate version can be derived based on the pros and cons of the previous device, namely:

• Buying a new product will be cheaper.
• It is easy to identify a breakdown;
• longer installation;
• Occupies more space on the DIN rail;
• Lack of protection against short circuit and overload if the circuit breaker is absent.

Well, the last thing I want to talk about is that it is better to pick it and put it at home.

Which is better to install?

You learned about the purpose, advantages, and disadvantages of each device. If you still don’t understand the answer, let’s summarize it with a choice.

If you are installing electrical wiring in an apartment or a house with a simple diagram, it is permissible to install only a defotomat. When creating a complex network in a country house, it is better to use several RCDs with AVs for each group of wires (sockets, for lighting, for powerful electrical appliances, etc.). To protect a separate network with low power consumption, a difavtomat cannot be installed, but it is sufficient to secure the line with only a residual current device.

We draw your attention to the fact that the functionality of both options is the same, so you cannot give preference to one of the devices based on its performance!

That’s all I wanted to tell you about the two protection devices.